2023 CAATE Award Winners
Winner: Dr. Bonnie Van Lunen, PhD, ATC, FNATA
The Pete Koehneke Award was established in 2016 and honors an outstanding leader who has made significant, ongoing contributions of exceptional value to athletic training education and accreditation over a sustained period of service. Recipients of this award have a minimum of 20 years of service to AT education and accreditation. Nominees are evaluated on service to the profession and to the CAATE.
The CAATE is pleased to announce Dr. Bonnie Van Lunen as the 2023 Pete Koehneke Award recipient. Dr. Van Lunen is the Dean of the College of Health Sciences at Old Dominion University. Dr. Van Lunen has served the athletic training community for more than twenty years as a program director, department chair and now as the Dean of the College of Health Sciences at Old Dominion University. She has authored more than 90 papers, books, and monographs and has mentored countless students. Dr. Van Lunen served on the CAATE Board of Commissioners for six years and will serve on the Board of Certification Board of Directors beginning in 2025.
Watch Dr. Van Lunen accept the Pete Koehneke Award.
Winner: Dr. Ryan Krzyzanowicz, DAT, LAT, ATC
The Bob and Lynn Caruthers Service Award is given to an individual that demonstrates the character and performance traits Bob and Lynn Caruthers displayed in their respective careers. Both Bob and Lynn demonstrated significant and distinguished service to professional and specialized accreditation, and excellence when working directly with constituent institutions. Award winners reflect the commitment to professional education and service shown by the Caruthers and demonstrate a clear and consistent record of excellence in service to athletic training accreditation and the CAATE.
The CAATE is pleased to announce Dr. Ryan Krzyzanowicz as this year’s recipient of the Bob and Lynn Caruthers Service Award. Dr. Krzyzanowicz is the program director of the athletic training program at the University at Buffalo School of Public Health and Health Professions (SPHHP). For many years, Dr. Krzyzanowicz has volunteered for the CAATE; he is the Chair of the CAATE Peer Review Committee and has served on peer review teams for 13 programs. He also served on the Review Committee from 2016-2022 and received the President’s Award for his service in 2021.
Watch Dr. Krzyzanowicz accept the Bob and Lynn Caruthers Service Award.
Winner: Dr. Rick Valachovic, DMD, MPH
The President’s Award is given to individuals who provide outstanding service to the CAATE.
The CAATE is pleased to announce Dr. Richard Valachovic as this year's recipient of the President's Award. Dr. Valachovic is President Emeritus of the American Dental Education Association and is Director of the Center for Oral Health Policy and Management at the New York University College of Dentistry. Dr. Valachovic was the Treasurer and Public Member on the CAATE Board of Commissioners for three years. This award is for his services to the CAATE Board of Commissioners, including developing sound financial and investment policies and procedures, helping redefine our governance process to be more inclusive, and providing critical counsel through CAATE's administrative transition.
Watch Dr. Valachovic accept the President's Award.